Brazzaville - Lesio Louna Natural Reserve Gorillas - Bela Falls

Lesio Louna Reserve is located north of Brazzaville and is dedicated to the protection of Gorillas. This tour will include a trip to the reserve and an opportunity to observe Sid the Gorilla who has been apart of the reserve for a long time and was one of the only gorillas who remained there during the civil outbreak in the late 90's. Sid and many other gorillas have long been apart of the reserves efforts of reintroducing orphaned gorillas back into the wild. The reserve and their team of people who have dedicated their lives to conservation efforts have had many successes over the years. 

This tour will give you the chance to experience the vibrant city of Brazzaville, the Lesio Reserve and the wildlife within it, and finally the beautiful Bela Falls.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Brazzaville City Tour

Today, at an agreed upon time that suits your preference, you will be picked up at your hotel/accommodation in Brazzaville. You will be taken on guided tours to the city monuments and historical spots of Brazza. Today will include stops at the notorious Nabemba Tower, St. Anne Basilica, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazzaville Memorial, and more cultural and historical sites.

We will then make our way to the Congo River and visit the art market, the Poto-Poto School of Painting, and also an independent artist is known for his creation of contemporary pieces as well as traditional art.

We will enjoy lunch along the banks of the Congo River today. After lunch, you will be dropped back off at your hotel.

DAY 2: Congo River Cruise

Part of today's transport will involve a pirogue (canoe). An experience in itself, this is a very common means of transportation on the Congo waterways. Today our experience on the pirogue will allow us to have a great look at Africa's most famous river view, the montrous Kinshasa. On the water, you will encounter many ships, villages, farms, and local fisherman too as we make our way further up toward the islands and villages north of Brazzaville. 

You will be able to experience the lush green rainforest that lies on the outskirts of the city and the home of thousands of wildlife, fish, many undocumented and new. See farmers tilling the riverside and going about their daily lives. The Congo River is one of the deepest and most powerful rivers in the world, it winds for thousands of miles through the largest rainforest in Africa. For many, the river is a means of life and necessary for survival.  

We will make our way back to Brazzaville this afternoon for lunch, another great spot with a stellar view of Kinshasa and the might Congo River.

You will then be dropped off at your hotel in Brazzaville

DAY 3: Brazzaville - Lesio Louna Natural Reserve

After breakfast this morning, you will depart from Brazzaville to Mah Village within the Lesio Louna Reserve. Here, you will have a chance to visit the silverback gorilla, Sid at Abio. From Abio you will make you make your way to Ibibouckro to enjoy a picnic at Blue Lake.

You will then return to Brazzaville for dinner and overnight.

*** Important note on visiting Gorillas - In order to be allowed to visit the gorillas, good health is a prerequisite. Infectious diseases can be transmitted from humans to gorillas and be fatal for them. If you have a cold, flu, diarrhea, etc. you will not be allowed to visit the Gorilla. 

DAY 4: Bela Falls

After breakfast this morning you will leave Brazzaville and make your way Louingui to see Bela Falls. Today you will enjoy a picnic around the falls and visit Boko Village.

Exceeding over 150m in height, the falls offer a beautiful view of the Congo River and are a fine example of nature at its best. Bela Falls are situated amongst a small piece of the Congo's pristine rainforest and although the noise from the crashing water can be heard from afar, the atmosphere is very peaceful and calming. 

We will head back to Brazzaville this afternoon for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: Airport Transfer

Today you will be transferred from your hotel/accommodation in Brazzaville to the airport for your flight home.

Included in cost:

 - Government tax

- Entry fees to the park

- All activities as listed in the program

 - English speaking guide

- Fuel/gas

- Car for Lesio Louna - Boko via Louingui City Tour

- Gorilla permit

Excluded in cost:

- Gratuities

- Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, etc

- All meals

- Accommodation/hotel